Ryan's Art Blog

5x7 Folded Card

noreply@blogger.com (ryanclinton) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:04:00 -0700

Chic Screen Blue Birth Announcement

Shutterfly has cute birth announcements and cards for Easter.

View the entire collection of cards.

A Before and After Story. From our old house to our new house.

noreply@blogger.com (ryanclinton) — Sun, 4 Sep 2011 11:51:00 -0700

I have been addicted to HGTV lately. I don't know if it's the baby coming to town or what, but I've been thinking about the work we have put into our house. Here are some pictures throughout our renovations. We bought it in 2006, so, this progress has come along slowly over the last 5 years. I cannot believe it has been that long already. It is encouraging to see how much we have done looking back. Much of this would NEVER be possible if it wasn't for my super smart Dad. He started his own business (Shean Costruction Company) when he was about my age. He taught himself all these skills and now he has been cool enough to pass some of it on to my husband and I. I'm pretty lucky to have a handy, talented Dad.

This is a picture of the way our house looked when we bought it.

And here it is today. We've removed the screens, painted the entire house (twice) and replaced the whole deck. Tim is still in the process fixing the outside. We bought new storms and had to repaint and fix up old windows. All the weird things we found ripping up those stairs...ugh...ants the size of small rodents? We had to make the railing a little taller (to code).

We added some rocking chairs and a swing on the right side.

This was our living room when we first moved in. We bought that chair for $5. When you enter the house this is what you see immediately on the left.

Here is our living room today. We added an L shaped couch, corner seating and a flat screen.

You can see I painted some branches and screwed them to the wall. I liked it better than just putting a painting up there.

Here is a picture of our dining room when we first arrived. This is immediately to the right after entering. Can anyone say mom's hand-me-down dining room set?

You may be able to tell already that we knocked out that wall and made it flow directly into the kitchen.

Now this was the entrance into our kitchen before. The stove stuck out into the room and they had NO CABINETS!

This is the view turning to the right. The original owners had lime green walls (before the temporary blue we chose) and this was the only storage in the room. The woman sitting is the realtor.

So we created a kitchen. We knocked down that wall and made a bar area with stools to sit at. All new shaker style cabinetry! We had a friend help us with the CAD design.

We put in a sink, tile back splash, added some pendant lighting, replaced the linoleum with pergo tile flooring and swapped the stove to the other side of the room. We also made the windows slightly smaller to fit a counter top. Gosh I wish I had photos of some of that demo...jeez louise...

We put a little more storage where the stove was before. As you can see we opted for a green walls and kept the white trim, just not lime green. Lastly, we put in a ceiling fan, in summer it's a major plus.

This granny style is a combo of hand-me-downs and a futon is and image of our old spare bedroom.

Now it's my little baby boy's room.

You can see a bit of the butler's pantry in the photo from the kitchen above. This was the style originally. I like shabby chic, but this was just shabby.

Again we continued the back splash and the new counter top and cabinets. We were even able to make a little bar with wine rack and a place for our wine glasses. There is also two large cupboards on the right. It functions as our pantry.

This is our crazy bathroom. It is on the left as you enter the kitchen. The shower and toilet were along the left wall but you had to scoot sideways to get by the sink! Notice the textured walls. All that tile and drywall came out. There was some weird wire grating attaching the tiles to the wall. Terrible to remove. We found some cool stuff in those walls. A wedding ring and old super hero cards.

My smarty pants husband Tim had the idea to extend the bathroom into their former pantry area and put a sink on the left.

Silly lookin basement

And the spare bedroom returns! In the form of the basement. Carpeting, new paint, trim and ceiling.

Whoa! this was the previous owners use of this space...

We made it an art studio/wood workshop. Installed some fluorescent lighting and pegboard.

We also built these benches out of 2x4's. Real easy.

Old school shed. We demolished this (partially) and hired a guy from craigslist to demo the rest. That poor guy did not realize just how much concrete was underneath that bad boy.

Taaa-daaahhh. No more shed. We installed a fence too.

We added a little shed in the backyard and my husband added a garden. He is an expert gardener. My dog Gus is posing for you.

And the work continues...It never ends! Hubby was not too psyched about me documenting this moment. But wow, after that I don't feel the need to do much more updating. (I'm a little addicted). Sometimes I have to remind myself just how much we've already done!

My New Painting...

noreply@blogger.com (ryanclinton) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 05:35:00 -0700

This painting was made for my brother's new office. He just moved to Raleigh, North Carolina.

Some serious Nesting...

noreply@blogger.com (ryanclinton) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:22:00 -0700

I am helping with some of the decorations for my baby shower. I think they turned out really cute. I know most ladies don't know about their shower, but I am lucky to know about it and help with the fun stuff. Like these centerpieces! They were easy and cheap. Here's what I bought: Glasses ($6) & Rocks ($8) from the xmas-tree shop and tissue paper ($7) and pipe cleaners ($6) at I-Party. Here's a link on how to create the tissue paper flowers.

I also love making these tissue paper topiaries.

I made a mural for the nursery. I'm happy with the way it turned out. I also made some flags with left over material from my mobile project. They are hanging around the perimeter of the room.
So I have completely stunk at the blogging this summer. This is just a little update that my house has certainly turned into baby town.

Baby on the way...

noreply@blogger.com (ryanclinton) — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 05:34:00 -0700

So I'm pregnant and I started making my own mobile for the little man...

Here are the monsters on my mobile...

A little close-up

Here is the finished product

Jon Gaunt and Chuck Ragan

noreply@blogger.com (ryanclinton) — Mon, 16 May 2011 04:32:00 -0700

My husband and I went to a show at Lupo's in Providence last night. I like this large theatre venue. We saw my husband's friend from college Jon Gaunt perform on violin with Chuck Ragan (formerly of Hot Water Music). They opened up for Social Distortion but we didn't really stay for that.

Here is a funny drawing of both Jon and Chuck . Lastly, This was my favorite part of the show. Jon rocked out on his fiddle and it sounded similar to this. I like meeting musicians and watching a variety of music. These guys made my Sunday night pretty great.

Last Art Club for the Spring...

noreply@blogger.com (ryanclinton) — Tue, 3 May 2011 13:18:00 -0700

Ricci Art Show!

noreply@blogger.com (ryanclinton) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 14:48:00 -0700

This is my poster for the Art Show I put on every year. What gets the kids attention? Cool graffiti lettering. I display one piece from each student. I sell ice cream and give out awards to all grades 6,7 and 8. Also, the music teacher brings his band and they play a few songs.

Spring Brings Plants and Paint Samples to my house...

noreply@blogger.com (ryanclinton) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 05:17:00 -0700

Tim started his seedlings today. Here is a pic from his seedlings last year.

He built a greenhouse yesterday. He started with rebar and pcv piping.

Lastly he wrapped it in plastic. It's already 71 degrees in there when it's 60 degrees outside.

Shaded Ice, White Lagoon, Stone White, Pearl Gray, Clay Bisque, Canyon Echo.

It's fun to do this. The names are cool. Still deciding.

Art Show at Julian's Restaurant

noreply@blogger.com (ryanclinton) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:32:00 -0700

Here is a picture of my work displayed in Julian's restaurant on Broadway in Providence. My friends and I went out to celebrate the art show and a birthday (not mine). I managed to fit 13 pieces in their space. I thought I would go home with extra! The show is up until April 2nd so if you are in the area check it out.

Unfortunately, no information regarding my show on the website yet. But, if you are looking for a great meal check out the website:
http://www.juliansprovidence.com

Photography Lesson: Art Club

noreply@blogger.com (ryanclinton) — Wed, 2 Mar 2011 07:59:00 -0800

A Sample of Tuesdays with Art Club

noreply@blogger.com (ryanclinton) — Wed, 9 Feb 2011 14:37:00 -0800

Our first exploration into clay...

Splatter PAINT! Every middle school students ultimate dream...The snow (as the platform for their painting) was their favorite part.

These are a sample of some photos one student took in preparation for our photography lesson next week. Looks like this assignment could get some really nice results.

I built my own light box to take our photos from. I used some information I found from the ETSY blog site here to build it.

Lastly, there are some examples of other work made during art club (one of which is featured in our homemade lightbox.)

some art...

noreply@blogger.com (ryanclinton) — Fri, 4 Feb 2011 11:26:00 -0800

Boticelli

El Greco "Madonna and Child"

Sir John Everett Millais "Ophelia"

Egon Schiele

Modigliani

Richard Diebenkorn "Ocean Park"

NEW WORK 2011

noreply@blogger.com (ryanclinton) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 08:13:00 -0800

MOMENTUM FITNESS GRAND OPENING

noreply@blogger.com (ryanclinton) — Mon, 3 Jan 2011 15:28:00 -0800

My Artwork is featured on the walls of this beautiful gym owned by my friend Michelle.
Check it out on the front page of the site! If you are interested in getting a great workout go to the Grand Opening on January 21st.

www.momentumri.com

My Old Western Oil Painting

noreply@blogger.com (ryanclinton) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 18:00:00 -0800

This is the "International Artist" magazine I used for inspiration in my painting. The subscription was a gift. Despite the fact that I don't usually paint in this style I was hoping to learn from it. The step by step interview with the artist was cool.

There is no comparison between my painting and the original painting but I was proud of my effort. The process really made me appreciate his approach.

Step 1: The underpainting

Step 2: I added the darks. Concentrating on "glazing" which the is technique of using thin layers of oil paint. The more layers that are added the richer the color. Otherwise it ends up being too muddy.

Step 3: The landscape is starting to take shape.

Step 4: Working from left to right.

Step 5: Darker Sky

Step 6: Finished. Merry Christmas Gramps!

Christmas Card for Mom Mom (Grandma Vaughn)

noreply@blogger.com (ryanclinton) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 09:13:00 -0800

Art Club Update: A Sample of Tuesdays After School

noreply@blogger.com (ryanclinton) — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 06:19:00 -0800

My First Art Club assignment was to create centerpieces for the North Providence Holiday Ball. We cut cardboard into triangles, used masking tape to create a pyramid shape and then paper mached them. The faded color from top to bottom was my favorite part.

My second art club assignment was to cut up a 8'x10" photo from the National Geographic website into one inch squares. I then cut A 24"X30" piece of white paper into three inch squares. I numbered both sets and handed them out at random. The students are using pencil to replicate the image they receive onto the paper. And now they are slowly piecing together the image.

They are excited to see what emerges.

A new idea for a bulliten board. Students get a "shout out" for good behavior, accomplishments etc.

My Dream Basement Transformation...

noreply@blogger.com (ryanclinton) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 08:17:00 -0800

A Youth Art Studio
I would call it something like: The Art Room

Here are some images that have inspired me in my dream transformation...

Art Gallery

Acrylic resin collage on top of a large craft table

Mismatched colorful chairs

instant photo class

A huge tree mural that the kids sign a branch after a session of classes.

One Show Up and Another One Booked!

noreply@blogger.com (ryanclinton) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 14:54:00 -0700

Front View of Coffee Shop

Left Side of Coffee Shop

Don't worry I talked to this guy. He was very nice and seemed okay with being in a picture on my super popular blog.

After delivering some new postcards around town I seemed to have stumbled upon booking a show at Julian's! Only one of the best restaurants in Providence. With (not to mention) some saweeet artwork. I am excited for THE BEERMUDA TRIANGLE! The beer week is starting now celebrated at the E&O, The Avery and @ Julian's. all cool spots. all good beer. all walking distance.

My Upcoming Show & a Dance Performance. Promotion Galore.

noreply@blogger.com (ryanclinton) — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 05:56:00 -0700

This show will feature all the new paintings I have been working on. I am really pleased that all this new work seems to have a relationship to eachother. It is a more cohesive show than in previous years. I have been dropping these flyers all around town. The show is at White Electric Coffee Shop. They have great coffee and food if you want to check out some of my paintings they will be on display October 17-Nov 24.

Also, opening around the same time is my good friend Michelle Struckholtz's dance performance BLINKING! Here is a little descriptive blurb:

10/14/2010 to 10/16/2010
Pell-Chafee Performance Center

Lostwax: "BLINKING"
A Visual Interplay of Dance and New Media

We blink 10 times a minute. But what is lost in these liminal moments? Inspired by author Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink, choreographer Jamie Jewett explores the fascinating human process of understanding pattern, information and perception with a provocative new work by multi-media dance company Lostwax. In this groundbreaking premiere — another FirstWorks first — BLINKING traverses the visceral cusp between installation, performance and narrative through technology, music and movement.

Thursday, October 14, 7:30pm
Friday, October 15, 7:30 and 9:30pm
Saturday, October 16, 7:30pm

I am going Saturday Night. This show is really cool integrating technology and some super dancing. Check it out if you are in the area!

Paintings these days...

noreply@blogger.com (ryanclinton) — Thu, 9 Sep 2010 09:38:00 -0700

"Wears Makeup" by Shari Weschler Rubeck

Acrylic/Graphite/Board 24" x 18" 2010

by Shari Weschler Rubeck

Recently, I contacted Shari about her paintings (above) in an announcement for the Colo Colo Gallery in New Bedford, MA. What beautiful surface? I often find myself bored with paintings these days because they seem to fall so easily into a category of work I've seen before...which is not to say these artists are not talented or that they don't create aesthetically beautiful work. It's just like, yeah, another MFA student painting...

people with delicate animal heads...

Brian Donnelly

or any combination of photo-realism and animals...

Amy Guidly

or paintings on wood grain...

or super crazy urban abstract landscapes...

by Naomi Reis

I don't mean to sound like such a grump. I am probably just jealous of getting an MFA. And I have to admit when I want to paint for fun I end up doing some quirky flowers that make me happy. See my old post for hypocritical proof!

But even now, since I became interested in encaustic painting the medium has become incredibly popular. And all the paintings are starting to have that same lumpy, bumpy feeling...jeez louise nevelson

I'll end this on a positive note. On an artist that uses encaustic and sculpture in a way that I think is really amazing. Martin Kline...

soooo...my hope is to incorporate an element of sculpture to my pieces. Which are more just beeswax and not real encaustic...you can check it out if you want.

4 corners, Imaginary Chickens and a Dorfman

noreply@blogger.com (ryanclinton) — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 09:12:00 -0700

On a trip to the Sakkonnet Winery in Little Compton, RI, I drove through Tiverton, MA. I forced my husband to stop in the Tiverton Four Corners. Easily the cutest, quaintest, most adorable-fairytale place I have ever seen. Shortly after visiting I chose the lot of land I will buy to build my house and barn studio and where I plan to raise my imaginary future chickens.

I visited a beautiful store called Rummage with gorgeous little trinkets, things old and new (art by local artists). Tim bought the coolest set of antique maps there.

The clerk at Rummage was this young musician from the Berkely school of music named Andrea Belanger. She told me about her father's involvement in the Narrow Center for the Arts (I love making any connections to organizations like that). It was nice to meet someone so talented and so go-getterish. Her music is cool check it out.

Anyway, while in one of the many galleries in Tiverton (of course I picked out a future studio space/shop for myself) I saw these portraits taken by one of the largest polaroids ever (only 6 in the world). I loved polaroids as a kid. Instant Gratification Machines.

The artist's name is Elsa Dorfman. Look at this crazy camera!

Some of the family portraits were nice.
Here is a cool pic of Alan Ginsberg. The edges are the best part.

new stuff...

noreply@blogger.com (ryanclinton) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 06:20:00 -0700

As you live and breathe...

noreply@blogger.com (ryanclinton) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 07:50:00 -0700

Thanks to a certain visit from a certain TJ Huff I have been obsessed with this new site. It has free hour long podcasts with great music.

www.snoreandguzzle.com

Also, I submitted a fun little batch of things to the 9th Annual Craftland Show in Providence, RI. I find out if I make the cut in September. If I don't... let me know if you need a cork board. I had all these cool molding pieces left around my studio - so I figured I would see what I could frame with them.